Eagles face tough European challenge
Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:40
The United States will host its second annual Challenge Cup, featuring the US nations team, the Eagles, against the Heineken Cup champions, Munster, at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut, next Saturday, August 23.
"We are extremely excited to be playing Munster in Hartford," new Eagles coach Scott Johnson said.
"There's no doubt that this will be an extremely physical match and I encourage Irish and US fans alike to come watch what promises to be some very good rugby. Not only does this match allow us essential competition against a high level opponent, but we get to play in a great city where I have no doubt the community will come out and support both teams."
These two squads faced each other last year in Chicago, with Munster winning a hard fought match 10-6.
This year's match will again prove to be a tough test for the US team, as they face an experienced Munster side that features several members of the 2007 Ireland World Cup squad. This year's cup will also showcase the improvements being made to a young US National team, following the Churchill Cup and Clermont matches under the tutelage of their new head coach, Johnson.
"Munster is looking forward to this match as it represents the ideal type of preparation ahead of the new season and gives us the opportunity to expose our squad to quality opposition. It is always an honour to play against international competition and we are delighted to be traveling to New England for this game." said Munster head coach Tony McGahan.
Munster will spend the week prior to the match in Boston, training at the Irish Cultural centre, while the Eagles will spend the week in New York, training at the US Military Academy at West Point.
